Vegi Food, Berkeley

Felt like eating vegetarian tonight and went to Vegi Food, a Chinese vegetarian restaurant in Berkeley (Vine just off Shattuck) that doesn't seem to have had much, if any, mention on this board. It's a very simple restaurant that has barely changed since we moved to Berkeley in the eighties. I don't go there often, but every time I go I am amazed by how flavorful their food is--and this without onions or garlic or MSG. (The wife, who serves as the friendly waitress, told me onions and garlic are not used in Chinese Buddhist cooking.)

My wife had mu shu vegetables without eggs (another item you won't find on the menu), but with the skillful use of ginger, the veggies were full of life. I had a simple vegetable chow mein on a bed of crispy fired noodles, which was also wonderful. (There were three kinds of mushrooms, plus water chestnuts, carrots, bamboo shoots, snow peas, broccoli, and more with a nice sauce.)

They also do fried walnuts with sweet and sour sauce, which I've had in the past and were quite delicious. And how about kung pao walnuts, one of several spicy dishes? (I've never had those, but will order them on my next visit.)

Did I mention the prices? The most expensive dish on the menu is $8.25! (Cash only, no beer or wine.)